Your Mumbai–Prague flight departs on 24 September for the overnight journey. For an international flight, reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Terminal 2 around three hours before departure; Mumbai traffic can be unpredictable, so allow extra time if travelling from South Mumbai or the western suburbs. Keep your passport, Schengen visa, travel insurance, hotel confirmation and onward transport details easily accessible for check-in and immigration.
You should land in Prague around 7:00 on 25 September. The simplest onward option is a pre-booked private airport transfer to your hotel, usually taking 30–45 minutes depending on traffic and costing approximately €25–40. A cheaper alternative is the public-transport combination: take trolleybus 59 from Václav Havel Airport Prague to Nádraží Veleslavín, then continue by Metro Line A toward the centre; a 90-minute ticket costs roughly CZK 46. If your hotel is near Staré Město, Václavské náměstí or Hlavní nádraží, a taxi or app-based ride is more convenient with luggage.
Since most hotels will not offer a room this early, arrange luggage storage and have breakfast nearby before check-in. Café Savoy is a comfortable choice if you are heading toward the river, while Bistro Monk is convenient for a quick breakfast closer to the historic centre. Keep the first day gentle after the overnight flight: check in or leave your bags, freshen up, and use the afternoon for an easy first walk rather than committing to major timed attractions.
After landing at Václav Havel Airport Prague, allow roughly 35–50 minutes to reach Prague 1, depending on traffic. With luggage, the simplest option is an official airport taxi or Bolt/Uber, usually around CZK 500–800; public transport is cheaper, using trolleybus 59 to Nádraží Veleslavín and then Metro Line A, but it is less convenient with bags. Ask your hotel to store your luggage before setting out. Begin at Old Town Square, where you can spend about an hour admiring the Astronomical Clock, Church of Our Lady before Týn, and colourful historic façades. The clock’s hourly show is brief, so arrive a few minutes before the hour; watch your belongings in the busiest area.
Walk south towards Café Louvre in Nové Město, a traditional early-20th-century café on Národní Street. It is a good place for a substantial breakfast or coffee after the flight—allow around an hour and expect approximately CZK 250–450 per person. The café generally opens from early morning, but tables can fill quickly; arriving before the main lunch period is easier. From there, continue towards the river and Charles Bridge, about 15–20 minutes on foot. Cross slowly from the Old Town side towards Malá Strana, pausing for the statues, river views, and photographs of Prague Castle. Midday is busier, so keep valuables secure and consider returning later in the trip for a quieter early-morning visit.
After checking in and taking a proper rest, make your first evening a relaxed Vltava dinner cruise, lasting around two to three hours. Boats usually depart from the riverfront near Čech Bridge or Na Františku, depending on the operator; reach the boarding point 20–30 minutes early, as the exact pier can vary. Expect approximately CZK 1,200–2,500 per person, with menu quality and drinks differing considerably between cruises—reserve in advance and choose one advertising an open-deck or panoramic upper deck. The illuminated Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and riverside skyline make this especially worthwhile on arrival night. Wear a light layer even if the afternoon is warm, as the upper deck can feel cool after sunset.
Start at Powder Tower, opening from around 10:00, and allow 40–45 minutes to climb the 186-step staircase. The gallery gives a useful elevated view over Staré Město, though the stairs are narrow. Walk straight along Celetná to Municipal House, one of Prague’s finest Art Nouveau buildings. Spend about an hour admiring the entrance halls and interiors; a guided tour is the best way to see the decorated salons, but tour times vary, so check the official schedule or reserve ahead. Entry is typically around CZK 300–400, while the café is a good stop if you want a quick coffee.
Continue through the Old Town lanes to Havelský Market, roughly a 10-minute walk away. It is most atmospheric before lunch, when produce, flowers, souvenirs and small craft stalls are active; allow 30–45 minutes, remembering that quality and prices vary between stalls. For lunch, book or arrive early at Lokál Dlouhá, a popular Czech beer hall on Dlouhá. Order classic dishes such as svíčková, schnitzel or fried cheese with a tank Pilsner; expect roughly CZK 450–750 per person. It is lively and informal, but tables fill quickly, particularly on weekends.
After lunch, take tram 2, 18 or 22 from the Old Town area toward Malá Strana, or walk across Charles Bridge if you prefer a scenic 20–25-minute route. Spend an unhurried hour in Kampa Park, following the riverside paths and looking back toward the bridge and Prague Castle. Then walk a few minutes to the Lennon Wall, where the graffiti and messages change constantly; keep this visit brief, as the site is compact. From there, you can wander through Malá Strana and return to the centre by tram, or settle into a riverside café. Carry small cash for market purchases, wear comfortable shoes on the cobbles, and validate any paper public-transport ticket before boarding; a 24-hour pass is usually the simplest option if you are making several tram rides.
Begin at Prague Castle soon after the main historic buildings open—typically around 9:00, though schedules can vary by season. From Malostranská, tram 22 is convenient; get off at Pražský hrad and enter through the northern side. Allow about three and a half hours for St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and Golden Lane. The castle grounds are free, but the circuit ticket covering these interiors is generally around CZK 450–500. Buy from the official ticket office rather than street sellers, and check the cathedral service schedule before visiting. Wear comfortable shoes: the complex is spread across uneven courtyards, and the cathedral can become crowded by late morning.
Walk downhill or take a short tram ride to Strahov Monastery, allowing roughly 20–30 minutes on foot. Its historic library halls are the highlight, with the Theological Hall and Philosophical Hall viewed from the entrance rather than entered; the library ticket is usually around CZK 180–220. The monastery brewery, Klášterní Pivovar Strahov, is a good nearby stop for a light lunch or tasting, but reserve if you want a proper table. From the monastery, follow the paths through Petrín Hill toward Malá Strana. Give yourself about an hour and a half for the gardens and viewpoints; the funicular may be closed for maintenance, so plan to walk, and avoid relying on it unless operating that day.
Continue into Old Town for dinner at U Medvídků, a historic beer hall known for hearty Czech food and its own beer. Book ahead for dinner, particularly on a Sunday, and expect roughly CZK 500–850 per person for a main course, beer, and possibly dessert. Try svíčková or roast duck if available, but portions are generous. After dinner, take tram 2 or 3, or walk for around 20 minutes, toward Náplavka Riverbank in Nové Město. Spend the final hour strolling beside the Vltava and taking in the illuminated riverfront; the atmosphere is relaxed, though some bars and floating venues may close earlier on Sunday. Keep valuables secure in the busier sections and use a licensed taxi or Bolt back to your hotel if you are tired.
Take a morning train from Praha hlavní nádraží to Kutná Hora hlavní nádraží, allowing about 1 hour each way. Aim for a departure around 8:00–8:30; trains usually run regularly, with a return ticket costing approximately CZK 150–250 depending on the fare and booking method. From the station, walk or take a local taxi to Sedlec—the walk takes roughly 20–25 minutes, while a taxi is useful if you have tired legs. Begin at the Sedlec Ossuary, the small All Saints Chapel decorated with human bones. Allow around 45 minutes; it is atmospheric rather than large, and photography rules may change, so follow the signs inside. Tickets are generally around CZK 160–200, and advance booking is sensible in busy periods.
Continue next door to the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady and St John the Baptist, a striking Gothic-Baroque church and part of the UNESCO-listed Kutná Hora heritage area. Spend about 45 minutes looking at the spacious interior and its unusual combination of medieval structure and later Baroque restoration. The two Sedlec sites are close together, so this section is easy on foot; check the official opening calendar before travelling, as opening times can vary outside the main season.
Take a local bus or taxi into the historic centre, or walk if you want to see the quieter residential side of town. Set aside about 90 minutes for the medieval lanes around Vlašský dvůr, also known as the Italian Court, once a royal mint. The centre is compact and best explored without a rigid route—look for small courtyards, old miners’ houses and views across the surrounding hills. Continue uphill to St. Barbara’s Church, allowing around an hour for the richly decorated interior, vaulted ceiling and exterior flying buttresses. It is a pleasant walk between the central sights, though the cobbles and incline call for comfortable shoes.
Have a late lunch at Dačický restaurant, a traditional choice near St. Barbara’s Church, where you can try Czech specialities such as roast duck, goulash or schnitzel with local beer. Budget approximately CZK 450–800 per person. After lunch, return by taxi or local connection to Kutná Hora hlavní nádraží and catch a train back to Prague, ideally departing by 16:30–17:30; you should arrive in Prague around 18:00–19:00. Tickets are usually available on the day, but check the return connection before leaving the centre, since the final local link from the historic town to the railway station is less convenient in the evening.
Take a direct Railjet from Praha hlavní nádraží to Wien Hauptbahnhof, ideally departing between 07:00 and 08:00. The journey takes about four hours; book through České dráhy or ÖBB and reserve seats, preferably on the left side for occasional countryside views. On arrival, leave your luggage at your hotel in Landstraße or Wieden—check-in may not yet be available—and use Vienna’s U-Bahn or a short taxi ride to begin sightseeing. A 24-hour Vienna transport ticket costs roughly €9–10 and covers the U-Bahn, trams and buses.
Head first to Belvedere Palace, a straightforward walk or tram ride from Wien Hauptbahnhof. Allow around two hours for the Upper Belvedere, particularly the collection featuring Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, and leave time for the formal gardens between the Upper and Lower palaces. Timed admission is advisable, especially for the Klimt galleries; expect approximately €18–20 for the Upper Belvedere, with opening generally from 09:00 to 18:00. From there, walk about 15 minutes towards Wieden to Karlskirche, passing quiet residential streets and small design shops. Spend roughly 45 minutes inside this superb Baroque church; the interior is usually open into the early evening, although access can be affected by services or concerts.
Continue along Wiedner Hauptstraße towards Naschmarkt, Vienna’s lively strip of food stalls and small restaurants. It is best in the early evening, when locals are shopping and the market’s international character comes through; most stalls close by around 19:30, while restaurants remain open later. Browse before your reserved dinner at NENI am Naschmarkt, where sharing plates, hummus, grilled meats and salads suit an easy first evening in Vienna. Budget approximately €25–40 per person without extensive drinks, and reserve ahead if visiting on a Friday or Saturday. After dinner, your hotel in Wieden is walkable; otherwise, Kettenbrückengasse U-Bahn station provides a convenient connection.
Begin around 9:00 in Innere Stadt, keeping the morning entirely walkable. Start at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna’s principal Gothic landmark, and allow about 90 minutes for the nave, chapels, catacombs, and—if the weather is clear—the south tower climb. The cathedral is generally open from around 6:00, with visitor access beginning later in the morning; tower tickets are approximately €6–7. From Stephansplatz, walk west along Graben and Kohlmarkt towards the Hofburg Imperial Palace, about 10 minutes away. Set aside roughly two and a half hours for the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, and Silver Collection; the combined ticket is usually around €20–22. Go early if possible, as the palace becomes noticeably busier late morning.
For a leisurely break, continue a few minutes to Demel on Kohlmarkt. Its cakes, coffee, and light Viennese dishes make it better for an elegant lunch or substantial coffee stop than a quick meal; allow an hour and expect approximately €12–25 per person. Afterward, walk through Michaelerplatz to Josefsplatz and visit the Austrian National Library State Hall. This spectacular Baroque interior usually takes about an hour, with admission around €10; check the library’s official calendar before travelling because occasional closures or special exhibitions can affect access. The route is compact, but wear comfortable shoes—the polished historic paving around the palace quarter can be tiring.
Finish at the Vienna State Opera on Opernring, roughly a 10-minute walk from the library. If a performance suits you, book seats online as soon as the programme is released; prices vary widely, while standing tickets can be much cheaper and are often released shortly before the performance. For a performance, arrive 30–45 minutes early and dress smart-casual. If there is no suitable show, take the guided backstage tour instead, generally lasting about 40 minutes and costing approximately €13–15, with times varying by day. For dinner afterward, stay nearby at Café Museum for classic Viennese fare, or walk towards Naschmarkt for a livelier choice; Vienna’s U-Bahn and trams make the return to your hotel straightforward, with a single journey generally costing around €2.40.
Start early for Schönbrunn Palace, ideally arriving around 8:30–9:00, before the main tour groups. From central Vienna, take the U4 underground line to Schönbrunn; the journey from Karlsplatz takes roughly 15 minutes, followed by a short walk. The imperial apartments usually require a timed ticket, so reserve an entry slot online in advance—allow about three hours for the palace and grounds. Expect approximately €22–30 per adult, depending on the tour selected. Keep your ticket time in mind, as late arrival can mean waiting for the next available slot.
After the palace interiors, walk uphill through the formal gardens to Gloriette. The climb is gentle but exposed, so carry water and wear comfortable shoes; allow around 45 minutes for the viewpoint and photographs. The terrace looks directly down over the palace and provides one of Vienna’s best broad city views. For lunch, return to Café Residenz, near the palace complex, for about an hour. It is a practical stop for schnitzel, goulash, apple strudel, or coffee, with most meals costing approximately €15–30 per person. If you prefer a quieter table, reserve ahead or arrive outside the busiest 12:00–13:30 period.
Take the U4 back towards the centre, changing at Karlsplatz for the U2 to MuseumsQuartier. Spend roughly two hours choosing either the Leopold Museum, particularly strong on Klimt and Schiele, or mumok, focused on modern and contemporary art. Museum admission is generally around €15–18, and the courtyard cafés make a pleasant pause between galleries. Later, return towards Stephansplatz by U-Bahn or on foot if you still have energy. Stop at the Manner Shop am Stephansplatz for the famous hazelnut wafers and other Austrian confectionery; it is ideal for compact gifts. Shops in the centre commonly close around 19:00, though exact hours vary. Finish at Plachutta Wollzeile, a short walk from the cathedral, for its signature Tafelspitz—allow 1½ hours and budget approximately €35–55 per person. Reserve a table, especially for dinner, and ask for the traditional accompaniments of broth, potatoes, horseradish, and chive sauce.
Take a morning ÖBB regional train from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Bratislava hlavná stanica, allowing about 1 hour. Aim for a departure around 7:30–8:00 so you arrive before the main day-trip crowds; a one-way ticket is usually about €11–18, with return fares varying by operator and offer. From the station, take local bus or tram services toward the centre, or use a taxi for roughly €8–12. Start at Bratislava Castle, reached by a steep uphill walk or short taxi ride from the historic centre. Allow about 90 minutes for the courtyards, museum interiors if open, and excellent views across the Danube; check the current museum schedule before travelling, as the grounds and exhibitions may have different hours.
Walk downhill to St. Martin’s Cathedral, the former coronation church, allowing around 45 minutes. Continue into Bratislava Old Town through the compact medieval streets, ending at Michael’s Gate and its surrounding lanes. The gate tower generally opens from late morning and may charge around €6–8; climb it only if visibility is good. This area is easy to explore on foot, with cobbles and occasional steep sections, so comfortable shoes are worthwhile.
Have lunch at Urban House, a relaxed café-restaurant in the Old Town, allowing about an hour and budgeting approximately €12–25 per person. Afterward, wander gradually toward the Blue Church, officially St. Elizabeth’s Church, on the edge of the centre. Its pale-blue Art Nouveau exterior and mosaic details are best appreciated in daylight; allow around 30 minutes, but check service times because access can be restricted during Mass. From there, return to Bratislava hlavná stanica by tram or taxi. Allow 20–30 minutes for the transfer and arrive at least 15 minutes before your train back to Wien Hauptbahnhof; evening departures are frequent, but confirm the final timetable and ticket validity before leaving Vienna.
Take a direct Railjet or EuroCity from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Budapest-Keleti, ideally between 08:00 and 09:00. The journey is approximately 2 hours 40 minutes; reserve seats through ÖBB or MÁV, with tickets usually costing €25–60. On arrival, leave luggage at your hotel or use a station locker, then take the M4 metro from Keleti pályaudvar towards Kelenföld and get off at Fővám tér. The ride to Great Market Hall takes about 15 minutes. The market is generally open Monday–Saturday, with Saturday hours typically ending in the afternoon, so check the latest schedule before travelling; if 3 October’s hours are shorter, make this your first stop.
Spend about an hour browsing Great Market Hall, where the ground floor is best for paprika, salami, pickles, and other Hungarian ingredients, while the upper level has souvenirs and casual food stalls. Have lunch here—try a fresh lángos with sour cream and cheese, or a sausage-based dish—allowing roughly HUF 3,500–6,500 per person. Afterwards, walk or take tram 2 along the Danube towards Kossuth Lajos tér; the journey takes around 20–25 minutes and gives you an excellent first look at the riverfront. At Hungarian Parliament Building, join the interior tour if tickets are available. Tours last about 45–50 minutes and must be booked in advance whenever possible; bring your passport or accepted photo identification, as security is strict. If sold out, admire the building from the square and river side instead.
Walk south along the Danube promenade for roughly 15 minutes to Shoes on the Danube Bank, the moving memorial to Jewish victims murdered here during the Second World War. Keep this visit quiet and brief, and avoid climbing onto or touching the sculptures. Continue inland through Lipótváros towards St. Stephen’s Basilica, about 15 minutes away. The basilica is usually open into the early evening, though the dome terrace and interior hours can vary; allow about an hour to see the nave, chapels, and richly decorated dome. Finish with dinner around Zrínyi utca or Hold utca—Hungarikum Bisztró is a reliable choice for traditional Hungarian dishes, but reservations are sensible. Use a Budapest travelcard or contactless payment for the metro and trams; validate paper tickets before boarding.
Start at Széchenyi Thermal Bath in City Park as soon as it opens, typically around 7:00, and allow about two hours for the outdoor thermal pools and indoor bathing areas. Buy tickets online in advance, especially for a Sunday, with admission commonly around €30–40 depending on locker or cabin choice. Bring flip-flops, a towel, and swimwear; towels are not always included. The bath is easiest to reach by M1 metro to Széchenyi fürdő. Keep breakfast light beforehand, and drink water between pools.
Leave the bath by around 9:15–9:30 and return to your hotel for luggage, or arrange for the bags to remain with reception. For a 13:00 flight, a private car to Vienna International Airport is the most practical option: allow roughly 2½–3 hours, plus a border and traffic buffer, and depart no later than 8:30–9:00 if travelling directly from central Budapest. The cheaper alternative is a train from Budapest-Keleti to Wien Hauptbahnhof, followed by the City Airport Train or S-Bahn to the airport, but this usually takes around 3–3½ hours door to door and is risky after the thermal bath. A private transfer generally costs about €180–280 per vehicle; train and airport connections together are approximately €25–45 per person. Confirm in advance that the driver will take you directly to the correct terminal.
At Vienna International Airport, arrive around 10:00 for the approximately 13:00 international flight to Mumbai. Complete check-in, baggage drop, passport control, and security before browsing the airside shops and cafés. Keep passports, boarding passes, and any VAT-refund paperwork accessible; allow extra time if your airline uses a separate non-Schengen passport-control area.